Centuries and Fifties in Cricket: What They Mean Statistically
Centuries (100+) and fifties (50–99) are the standard landmarks used to measure a batter's contributions — here is how they are tracked and compared.
Scoring a century — 100 or more runs in a single innings — is one of cricket's most celebrated achievements. A fifty (50–99 runs) marks a meaningful contribution without a full century. Both landmarks are counted separately in career statistics, revealing how often a batter converts good starts into big scores.
How They Are Recorded
Career statistics list centuries (100s) and fifties (50s) separately. A score of 150 counts as one century but not a fifty. A score of 99 counts as one fifty. The ratio of centuries to fifties shows a batter's conversion rate — a high number of fifties with few centuries may indicate trouble closing out big innings.
All-Time Records
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most international centuries: 100 across Tests and ODIs combined (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs). Virat Kohli has surpassed 80 international centuries and is widely expected to challenge the record. In Test cricket alone, Sachin's 51 centuries is the benchmark.
Double and Triple Centuries
A double century (200+) in Tests is a rare, career-defining achievement. Virender Sehwag scored two triple centuries (309 vs Pakistan, 319 vs South Africa), making him the only batter to do so twice in Test history. Martin Guptill's 237 not out in a 2015 ODI World Cup quarter-final is the highest ODI score ever.
Frequently asked questions
What is a century in cricket?
A century is when a batter scores 100 or more runs in a single innings. It is one of the most celebrated achievements in the sport.
Who has scored the most centuries in international cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 100 international centuries — 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.